Brussels, 27/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 27 February, the European Commission took note of the Spanish government's announcement by the Spanish government earlier the same day that the country had a lower than forecast public deficit in 2012. In its recent forecasts (see EUROPE 10792), the European Commission said the Spanish deficit (not including bank bailouts) would be 7% of GDP in 2012, but Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said it was actually 6.7%, closer to the target of 6.3%. A spokesperson for Euro Commissioner Olli Rehn said the Commission would be delighted if the deficit were lower than expected, but said that the EU's statistical office, Eurostat, would publish the definitive result in April. Although the deficit was above-target, Rajoy welcomed it, saying it “implied huge efforts for all of society, increased trust in Spain and convinces us that although results have not been produced yet, the economic policy we are carrying out is good”. (EL/transl.fl)